Creativity and the arts, especially as applied to altruistic service and responsible entrepreneurship

The Earthville Institute would offer programs at reasonable rates for people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs, with a view to building community and catalyzing collaboration between the participants. The campus of the institute would serve as a showcase for regionally-appropriate best practices for ecological sustainability.

Programs and services to be offered at the Institute might include:

Educational presentations on important local and global issues

Ecological courses and workshops in various aspects of green living (e.g. organic gardening, etc.)

Natural health services such as therapeutic massage and other treatments

Day care for children, providing educational, ecological, and creative activities

Personal development workshops in communication, collaboration, and leadership

Vocational skills training in various areas that make meaningful contributions to society

Volunteer and service-learning opportunities for students, retirees, and people of all ages

Creative events and programs, including performances, exhibitions, and arts workshops

One of the first proposed programs is a service-learning and cultural exchange program between Switzerland and India. Several Swiss educators have expressed interest in bringing student groups to study at the Dharmalaya Institute in the Himalayas. Upon returning to Switzerland, these students would share their experiences with their peers and explore practical ways to implement what they’ve learned abroad in their lives back at home.

Current Status

The core of the founding team has been recruited and we have begun exploring the legalities.

We are now seeking funding to establish a startup-phase office in the town of Bulle (approximately 28km south of Fribourg), where one of our Directors and a number of supporters reside, so that planning can proceed efficiently and phase 1 programming can begin.

Help Us Make It Happen

Phase 1: Formalize the organization and establish a temporary startup office for planning and development work. Budget requirement: approximately 40,000 CHF (roughly 10% more in US dollars, depending on the fluctuating exchange rate) will be required to establish the startup office and fund its first two years of operation.

Phase 2: Acquire a suitable property for the Institute in the Suisse romande (the francophone area of Switzerland) and commence eco-friendly construction/renovation, while simultaneously developing programs and materials and conducting community outreach, building relationships and forging strategic partnerships. This phase will also provide service-learning opportunities for students, interns, and volunteers interested in sustainable living and organizational development. Budget requirement: to be determined after initial study; currently estimated at approximately 1,200,000 CHF.

Phase 3: Official launch: commence full range of program activities. Budget requirement: Operational expenses are estimated at 120,000 CHF for the first year; 100,000 CHF for the second year; and 80,000 for the third year; thereafter self-sustaining.

To support the establishment of Earthville’s presence in Switzerland, please contact us.

Get Involved

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